This Old House Season 5 Episode 1 The Brookline House - 1

The Brookline House - 1 is the first episode of the fifth season of the popular home renovation show, This Old House. This episode follows the renovation of a grand Victorian home in Brookline, Massachusetts. Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to the homeowners, a young family who purchased the home with the intention of restoring its historic beauty while also making it functional for modern living.

The episode begins with an overview of the house's current state - the exterior is in rough shape with peeling paint and rotted wood, while the interior is in disrepair with outdated fixtures and cramped living spaces. The homeowners explain their plans for the renovation, which include adding a new kitchen, master bedroom, and en-suite bathroom, as well as updating the home's heating, cooling, and electrical systems.

Next, the crew begins work on the exterior of the house. They remove all of the old paint and repair any damaged wood. They also work on restoring the home's original windows, which are intricate and unique to the Victorian style. The team uses a combination of hand tools and power tools to slowly and carefully restore the windows to their former glory.

Inside the house, the focus is on demolition and prep work. The crew tears down walls and removes old fixtures to make way for the new design. They work carefully to protect any original features that will remain in the home, such as the ornate moldings and the original staircase. The homeowners are shown picking out new fixtures and finishes, including a beautiful clawfoot bathtub and vintage-style fixtures for the bathroom.

One of the challenges that the crew faces in this episode is the home's layout. The house was built in a time when separate living and dining rooms were more common. However, the homeowners want a more open concept design that is better suited to modern living. The crew works to find ways to open up the space without sacrificing the historic integrity of the home. They also work to install modern conveniences, such as a new HVAC system and updated wiring.

Throughout the episode, the crew and the homeowners discuss the importance of preserving historic homes. They talk about the unique architecture and design features that make this home special, and how the renovation will ensure that those features are preserved for generations to come. They also talk about the challenges of renovating an older home, such as unexpected structural issues and the need for custom solutions.

The episode concludes with a glimpse of what's to come in future episodes. Viewers are shown a preview of the new kitchen design, which features beautiful new cabinets and a large island for cooking and entertaining. The homeowners are excited about the progress and can't wait to see their vision come to life.

Overall, The Brookline House - 1 is a great introduction to the renovation of this historic home. Viewers get a glimpse into the challenges and joys of restoring an older home, as well as the importance of preserving historic architecture for future generations. With beautiful design and expert craftsmanship, this season promises to be a must-watch for fans of home renovation shows.